It's not easy to create an organic, wholesome environment in a city that is as dense as Tokyo- unless of course you're <a href="http://kkaa.co.jp/works/teikyo-university-elementary-school/">Kengo Kuma</a>. One of the most <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/kengo-kuma/">recognized architects in Japan</a>, Kuma clad the sprawling Teikyo University Elementary School with heat-treated cedar to help distinguish it from a suite of unsightly apartment buildings nearby. Hit the jump to find out how that massive roof contributes to the project's overall eco sensibility.

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Teikyo University Elementary School by Kengo Kuma

Kengo Kuma and Associates designed the wooden Teikyo University Elementary School in Japan

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Teikyo University Elementary School by Kengo Kuma

The three storey structure has an overall footprint of 7,788 square meters

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Teikyo University Elementary School by Kengo Kuma

A solar collecting device circulates warm air through the building in winter

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Teikyo University Elementary School by Kengo Kuma

The interior is light, breezy and open, yet also boasts pockets of privacy as well

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Teikyo University Elementary School by Kengo Kuma

An atrium connects all three levels

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Teikyo University Elementary School by Kengo Kuma

The sloping roof has a rainwater capture system

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Teikyo University Elementary School by Kengo Kuma

It's not easy to create an organic, wholesome environment in a city that is as dense as Tokyo- unless of course you're Kengo Kuma. One of the most recognized architects in Japan, Kuma clad the sprawling Teikyo University Elementary School with heat-treated cedar to help distinguish it from a suite of unsightly apartment buildings nearby. Hit the jump to find out how that massive roof contributes to the project's overall eco sensibility.